Uganda’s senior rally ace Rajiv Ruparelia finished 7th position to registered a tremendous record in Kenya’s Africa Rally Championship (ARC) Equator Rally despite a car radiator burst before finishing off.
Rajiv, who previously showcased a wonderful experience in Kenya during the Nakuru KCB competitions put up a spirited fight not only against Ugandan drivers but also those from Asia after ending the race of 32 participants in the 7th position.
The senior rally ace and his navigator Enock Olinga would have come among the top three or even scoop the competitions if it was not his Volkswagen polo’s radiator burst incident that saw him running into minutes of losses.
”The fact is, that Ugandan guy was among the first three, he has just been disappointed by his car, but we thank God who has saved his life in otherwise it was a terrible incident that would kill him,” said an excited fan of Rajiv during the competitions at the Soysambu Conservancy in Naivasha.
Meanwhile, a total of 35 drivers from the region participated in these competitions that served as a round of the Africa Rally Championship as well as a dress rehearsal for the WRC Safari Rally taking place from 24th to 27th June.
The event had 11 stages, accounting for a total competitive distance of 206.72kms that kicked off on Friday with the ARC drivers taking on a qualifying stage of 5.40km.
Below is a list of the top 10 performers at the Equator Rally
- Kenyan star Carl Tundo 17:16.0
- Onkar Rai 17:51.7
- Guy 18:12.3
- Boldy Chager 18:22.8
- Singh Tajveer 18:28.2
- Jas Mangat 19:05.8
- Rajiv Ruparelia 19:08.9
- Ian Duncan 19:18.0
- Benji Davies 19:59.2
- Jasmeet Chana 20:07.9